Portable traction stand

ABSTRACT

Portable traction stand comprises hinged frame formed of rigid material, horizontal base portion, hinged at two points, with hinged vertical member accommodating adjustable pulley assembly. Device freely slidable as a unit along the entire width of patient&#39;&#39;s bed between mattress and springs without otherwise attachment thereto, with rigidity of mattress and patient&#39;&#39;s weight assisting in holding mechanism in place during application of human body traction.

2,377,940 6/1945 Hughes 2,674,996 4/1954 Stowelletal.....

United States Patent Frank M. Childers Rockledge, Fla. 32955 827,438

Apr. 3, 1969 Aug. 17, I971 Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented PORTABLE TRACTION STAND 1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl ..l

Int. Cl.

Field of Search References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 128/75 A6lh1/02 128/75, 84

Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-.1. Yasko ABSTRACT: Portable traction stand comprises hinged frame formed of rigid material, horizontal base portion, hinged at two points, with hinged vertical member accommodating adjustable pulley assembly. Device freely slidable as a unit along the entire width of patients bed between mattress and springs without otherwise attachment thereto, with rigidity of mattress and patients weight assisting in holding mechanism in place during application of human body traction.

PATENTED Am; I 7 l9?! F'IGJ.

FRANK M. CHILDERS IN VENTOR My invention relates to a therapeutic traction device for use in applying traction to the human body.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device inserted between-mattress v and box springsof a bed in complete operating configuration.

Therapeutic treatment of. patients having bone fractures,

dislocations, muscular contractions and other muscular disorders most often require some form of applied traction. Such traction is applied through the medium of a harness applied to the body of the patient and a specified weight attached for effecting a straight line pull on the affected part of the body.

This invention provides a traction device which maintains a generally longitudinal or straight line pull at all times but yet allows movement of the patient while under traction without significantly affecting the directional pull or tension.

The device may be described as generally comprising a bracket having a planar member secured thereto which is inserted between a mattress and box springs of the bed of a patient and having a pulley mounted thereon which cooperates with a line for applying traction to affect part of the body. This is accomplished by means of a weight secured to the end of the I line remote from the patient.

The object of my invention is to provide a light weight, portable traction stand that is easily set up and utilized by a patient in his own home for required periodic therapeutic traction.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of this character whereby it may be simply and conveniently collapsed and folded for handling or for storage.

Another object of my invention is in the provision of a traction stand which is readily operable by the patient for positioning the device between the mattresses as may be desired for maximum benefit. It may be readily applied to either end of the bed or the the side as desired. It may be applied to a suitable couch or settee where enough cushioning or padding is provided for comfortable application.

In order to more fully describe my invention and illustrate its use reference is made to'the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the device in the unfolded configuration showing the head harness and associated hook-up in prominent view.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the traction stand in the use configuration showing the pulley with line and attached weight in prominent view.

Referring to the drawings, the traction stand is illustrated in its application to a bed such as a bed in the home, a hospital bed, or a suitable couch. The traction stand may also be applied at either the head or foot end of the bed or on either side as desired. Longitudinal alignment is accomplished by sliding or positioning the stand underneath the patient as required. As illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawing, the traction apparatus is applied to the head of the patient by means of the head harness II, the halter for 12, the connecting line 9 over the pulley 8 and connected to the weight 6 at the opposite end. Supporting the pulley 8 is the bracket or frame structure 1 which provides for elevating or lowering the pulley 7 and 10 and providing a pull substantially in alignment with the length of the part of the body requiring traction and in angular relation with the horizontal whereby the tension or pull is outward and slightly upward so as to permit use of a pillow in elevating the patients head if required.

The means of a relatively rigid installation is provided by inserting the unfolded planar member 2 between mattress l4 and box springs 15.

Complete folding of the portable traction stand is accomplished as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The pulley bracket 1 folds downward at base hinge 16 following are 13 as shown in FIG. 3. The planar member 2 is composed of fold-out members 3 which fold upward at hinges 5 and fold inward, forming arc 4 as illustrated in FIG. 2, thus providing a compact folded unit for eas handling or storage.

Having t us described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letter Patent is:

l. A foldable traction stand for use with a traction harness comprising a cable in cooperation with a specified weight attached to one end thereof for effecting a straight line pull on the human body part under traction treatment, a planar base adapted to rest between the mattress and springs of a bed, said base comprising a plurality of longitudinally hinged planar sections to allow folding of said sections toward the medial portion of said base, a rigid vertical member having a pulley located at one end thereof which receives said cable and the other end thereof hinged at generally the medial edge portion of said base to allow folding of said member in a generally parallel relationship to said base to facilitate handling and storage. 

1. A foldable traction stand for use with a traction harness comprising a cable in cooperation with a specified weight attached to one end thereof for effecting a straight line pull on the human body part under traction treatment, a planar base adapted to rest between the mattress and springs of a bed, said base comprising a plurality of longitudinally hinged planar sections to allow folding of said sections toward the medial portion of said base, a rigid vertical member having a pulley located at one end thereof which receives said cable and the other end thereof hinged at generally the medial edge portion of said base to allow folding of said member in a generally parallel relationship to said base to facilitate handling and storage. 